Sixteen Legislative Council (LegCo) members visited a number of agricultural sites in the Brunei-Muara and Tutong District to take a closer look at the latest development and achievement following support provided by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
The visit also showcased the modern agriculture system and techniques implemented in helping to raise productivity and production as well as interacting directly with farmers.
The visit also focused on locals becoming owners or having joint ventures with foreign businesses as well as employment opportunities for locals.
The first visit was to the Cavendish banana farm under the Green Technology Farm in Batang Mitus Agricultural Development Area.
The company, managed by Yeo Kok Ket started operating in 2018. The company produced 82,019 kilogrammes (kg) of banana in 2021 and increased it to 152,589kg in 2022.
From January to July this year, the company produced 146,300kg of banana worth BND301,074.34.
The company has 15 workers of which two are locals. The company works with the the village consultative council (MPK) to produce banana and plays a role as an anchor company to carry out plantation activities, maintaining and harvesting while the MPK plays the role of investor and ensures production is consistent to meet market demand.
The visit continued to Harvest Moon farm in Kilanas, managed by Haji Muhammad Zulfadhil Ibnu bin Haji Md Huzaimi. The watermelon farm started its operation earlier this year. It has two employees.
The visit then moved to Syarikat Akmal Asmaan Agriculture Farm at the Brunei Agriculture Research Centre. The company owned and managed by Mohamad Akmal Asmaan bin Haji Asmali, features the plantation of vegetables, chilli and cucumber using the fertigation system.
In 2022, the production was at 13,014kg. The company employs three workers including one local.
The LegCo members then visited Syarikat Wina Wiya Enterprise at the Brunei Agricultural Research Centre. The company owned by Hamidun bin Haji Mahat produces vegetables such as long beans, petola, cucumber and chilli.
The company produced 33.213kg up to September this year and employs six workers.
The visits will continue to the Belait District on October 18.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary I at the MPRT Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi as well as Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood and officers from the ministry accompanied the LegCo members. – James Kon
